Cancer Society seeks €2 increase in price of 20 cigarettes

The Irish Cancer Society is calling on the Government to increase the price of 20 cigarettes by at least €2 in this December's budget.

The society, which makes a similar call every year, says increasing the price is the most effective way of encouraging people to quit the habit and discouraging them from starting in the first place.

However, the Government is usually reluctant to introduce massive price increases due to the effect it would have on inflation

The Cancer Society claims the number of young smokers, particularly girls, is currently increasing because the price of cigarettes has not been increased in the last two budgets.